Around The Bay 2013 - Race Review (really for the 2nd time??)

It is really crazy to think that I have now completed the 30km Around The Bay road race for a second time. It is hard to believe that it has been just two years since I started this crazy habit of running and trying to be somewhat healthy (please see the end of the blog with regards to my post-race meal for the somewhat part). This race was different than last year due to two main reasons - the support I received through my running group and the confidence I had in my training program. I will talk about those in my race recap. As for race day....

This year's race was setting up to be a perfect race day. Sunny, not much wind, and a high of 2 degrees - perfect running weather. The day started out the same as last year - my family dropping me off at Copps Coliseum only this year instead of being alone I had a few of my running partners from my group there. I was able to find a bathroom without a crazy lineup, and we decided to hit the starting line. This was the first disaster of the day. Why on earth do they keep the Running Room expo stand open at the top of the stairs when you have 12,000 runners (and family) trying to navigate the arena? Stupid. Lesson for next year do not go into the arena. We finally made it to the start line and it was go time.

The start of the Bay race is a really cool experience. So many runners, and this year with the corrals it was relatively smooth with the exception of the older heavy ladies who decided to walk the relay and start at the front of the corral. The plan was to go out for the first 10km at a 5:30 per kilometre - not too fast but something I should be able to hold. We headed out along the scenic north end of Hamilton (tee-hee) and once again the world's greatest cheerleading team was there in full force at the 5km mark - including my wife, kids, sisters, and nieces. In typical Walker fashion they were very loud and it is such an amazing boost of energy and spirit to see anyone you know along a race course. Once I again I encourage all people to go out and watch and cheer on a race (it will motivate you).

At this point in the race comes my only complaint I have (well major complaint) for the ATB and that is the inconsistent timing of the aid stations. Most major races will have them every 2km, or every 3km. Drinking and fuel is vital in a longer race (especially with hills) so to have an aid station at 4km, 6km, and then at 11.5km makes no sense. This plays a big factor in my mind for me at kilometre 27. They really should be consistent and not count on the awesomeness of home owners along the route to give the runners water.

Along Lakeshore we go but unlike last year I felt very strong at the 15km marker coming in at 1 hour 23 minutes - pretty much right on pace. I crossed the lift bridge (which always sucks and hurts your feet), and headed for the Northshore and the hills where the race begins. Once again, just before the first hill the worlds greatest cheerleading section was there. Again, they were Walker loud. Awesome. A final boost before I run the hills.

In our final meeting at our running club the coach stressed to have confidence that we are prepared to hit the hills, probably better prepared than anyone else running. Part of me was skeptical as it really does suck to run hills after you have completed 20km. But here they are....and wow what a difference a good program makes. I ran every single hill on Northshore - with not much issue. It felt great. 20km in and I am well under 2 hours at 1:51.

With the hills completed, I was tired when I hit Spring Garden road, but once again the world's greatest cheerleading section was there to give me a boost for the big downhill, and the big up hill. At this point, I could hear We Will Rock You - thank you Stan Wakeman!!! A quick high five, down the hill, and up we go. I ran/powerwalked the entire Valley Inn Road. Hit the top and starting going. It was at this point I realized I am at 2:28 and thought wow - I can get in at or under 2:45!!! As soon as I thought that voila....leg freakin cramps. Again. This can't be happening. But it was. They hurt really bad. First through the calves, then quads, and finally the toes. I was with 2 members of my running group and I kept telling them to go but they wouldn't leave me - this support was overwhelming. At one point my toes cramped (curled up) so bad I couldn't straighten them so I had to stop and straighten them on the sidewalk curb. Part of me thinks the Grim Reaper at the 28km mark had something to do with this happening 2 years in a row. I completely believe this comes down to my fuel during the race - going 5 or 6km without fuel is not good (note to self remember the inconsistent fueling stations for next year). I struggled along, having to stop occasionaly and stretch, but was getting there. Finally the sign - one kilometere to go. I was still running. Most importantly I was smiling as once again, for the final time, was the worlds greatest traveling cheering section.

This year I was able to run down the ramp, into the coliseum and cross the finish line. My final time was 2 hours and 51 minutes. I was able to improve my time by 22 minutes over last year. Yes, I do think if I didn't cramp and take 22 minutes to run the final 3 km I could have really killed last years time. But a 22 minute improvement year over year is pretty good - and I am thrilled with the result.

For my fuel, I did drink water at each aid station, took in four gels, and drank some gatorade. Need to work on this for the next big race for sure.

Again, the support from my wife, kids, family, and now my running club has completely changed me. It is awesome to know that if I have questions, concerns, thoughts there are always people to help. To think I was running very slow at the end and two of the runners would not leave me.

A big shout out to Katie for an unbelievable race (and you didn't think you would finish) and Greg for running your first ATB in awesome time.

The Around the Bay should be race on everyone's list. It is the oldest race in North America, a very tough 30km run, and one of the most community supported races I have been a part of. Well done once again (and thankfully I did not get stuck behind the train on Woodward Avenue).

For those of you who still think you can't please believe me when I say you can...I have done it twice now.

Until the Mississauga Half in May...and in October here comes CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for the healthy lifestyle...yes, that is gravy and all that food was mine...